Term of Reference for Senior Consultant Epidemiologist for Workforce Development
Position Description
Position Name: Senior Consultant Epidemiologist
Position type: Full-time
No. of Positions: 1
Organization: SAFETYNET
Reporting to: National Centre for Disease Control, Program coordinator and National Institute of Public Health Training & Research, Mumbai, program coordinator
Location: National Institute of Public Health Training & Research, Mumbai
Background
National Institute of Public Health Training & Research (NIPHTR), Mumbai, in collaboration with National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is starting a one-year in-service Intermediate Field Epidemiology Training Program (I-FETP) in Maharashtra State on lines of the successful three tiered India Field Epidemiology Training Program model in India and globally. Since 2017, SAFETYNET has partnered with CDC India office to support India FETP.
I-FETP is aimed at building essential epidemiological capacity of public health professionals working in the state health department of Maharashtra at district and State headquarters in various public health programs, strengthening public health surveillance, providing epidemiologic services, and developing district/state capacity for outbreak or public health response. Objective of the program is to create highly competent field epidemiologists within the public health sector to meet the national and state need for skilled public health workforce.
The US CDC and SAFETYNET are committed to supporting the NCDC and NIPHTR in running this program and thus are looking forward to recruiting highly qualified persons with skills in field epidemiology for the position of Senior Consultant Epidemiologist.
Job Summary
Senior Consultant– Epidemiologist, under the guidance of FETP coordinator NCDC/NIPHTR will work in close collaboration with CDC and SAFETYNET to provide technical support to I-FETP for smooth implementation and running of the program. As a technical member, s/he is expected to undertake activities related to the FETP induction training, field work, and mentorship of I-FETP Officers. S/he is expected to fulfil the below mentioned responsibilities:
Technical Support to FETP Mentors and Consultant Epidemiologist:
Provide expert guidance and technical assistance to Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) mentors and consultant epidemiologists.
Leadership in Evidence-Based Public Health
Act as the senior consultant, offering leadership in the application of evidence-based practices for public health, including outbreak detection, investigation, and response. Strengthen the national disease surveillance system through strategic guidance.
Offer technical support to I-FETP officers in their Core Activity of Learning (CAL)
Mentor I-FETP officers in outbreak investigations, evaluations of public health surveillance systems, and epidemiological studies.
Review and Approval Responsibilities:
Review reports related to public health responses, providing technical insights, and facilitating administrative approval.
Evaluate scientific abstracts for conferences and presentations at national/international forums.
Review manuscripts for administrative submission and publication.
Monitoring and Database Management:
Monitor the progress of FETP trainees on their CALs and collaborate with the National Institute of Public Health and Training Research (NIPHTR) to update the database of FETP officer projects.
Coordination Activities:
Coordinate and manage Weekly Afternoon Seminar (TAS) and other online training sessions
Manage and coordinate various hub activities, including seminars, field investigations, conferences, hub meetings, and other assigned tasks.
Epidemiological Analysis and Planning:
Develop epidemiological analysis plans and conduct descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies.
Plan surveillance activities to assess the burden of disease/health conditions/risk factors of public health importance.
Documentation and Reporting:
Assist in documenting Intermediate Field Epidemiology Program guidelines, and standard operating procedures, and prepare required monthly and quarterly reports.
Guiding I-FETP officers and mentors to use the India FETP learning management system and update their course progress on LMS.
Field Visits and Monitoring:
Conduct visits to placement sites and field investigation locations to mentor
Qualifications (Essential)
MBBS with postgraduation in Community Medicine (MD)/ public health (MPH)/ postgraduate diploma in public health/Field Epidemiology Training Program or EIS training program graduate.
Minimum of three years of public health experience
Minimum one year experience of working in an Intermediate/advanced FETP program as faculty or mentor.
Experience and Skills
Minimum three years’ experience in public health; field epidemiology, implementation of public health projects and programmes at state/national level. Preference will be given to those with I-FETP Training
Experience of designing, implementing and managing epidemiological studies and other research projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Knowledge of public health issues, epidemiology, research methodology, and scientific writing
Excellent interpersonal relations; ability to network, work in multi-cultural team environment, and work harmoniously with multiple partners
Good working knowledge of computer applications, especially MS office, Epi Info
Strong and proven documentation and organizational skills
Ability to travel extensively at short notice
How to apply
After reviewing the job description and responsibilities, submit your application with the latest CV, and documents supporting education and experience to SAFETYNET at s. s.choudhary@safetynet-web.org and n.mandhi@safetynet-web.org. Please note that the last date for applying is 20 December 2023 at 5 PM (India Time).
Remuneration
USD 2500-3000/per month.